Community Character

Objective 1: Protect elements and character of Dublin’s rural landscape.

Development along on the city’s periphery is changing Dublin’s character. Commercial and residential growth is affecting the natural character and visual quality of agricultural and rural areas. While recommended as policy, laws and regulations should also address development standards that will protect rural character elements and designated roadway corridors.

A. Implement Conservation Design… in appropriate locations and adopt planning practices and regulations that will result in high quality, more compact and varied housing. Conservation development patterns can preserve substantial open space, creating regional greenway networks and providing significant views from designated roads.

B. Establish Roadway Standards… that will address the specific character types of designated corridors and require development to incorporate key design elements essential to maintain the existing scenic character of valued roads or to establish the future visual quality of a specified corridor (refer to the recommendations of the Hyland-Croy Road Corridor Character Study within the Northwest/Glacier Ridge Area Plan as an example).

C. Encourage Landscape Restoration and Preservation… as part of the development review process to maintain areas of native plant communities and riparian corridors, where appropriate. New development should promote naturalized open spaces and plant communities that will enhance visual character.

D. Acquire and Preserve Key Sites… such as National Register farmsteads, woodlands or archaeological sites that significantly affect visual character. Policy decisions should prioritize acquisitions, and surrounding development must be carefully designed to protect the visual integrity of selected sites.

E. Consider Scenic or Conservation Easements… as a means to preserve important open spaces and riparian areas along streams and rivers to protect vegetation, landforms and open vistas.

F. Cooperate with Surrounding Jurisdictions… to establish mutual policies and development practices that will protect the desired rural character of Dublin and the agricultural roots of surrounding townships. Planning accords and joint policy agreements should be considered to mutually benefit all jurisdictions.

G. Encourage Native/Naturalized Plantings… where appropriate along rural scenic roads in open spaces, setbacks and right-of-way plantings to enhance character and reduce long-term maintenance.

Objective 2: Promote a high quality residential and commercial built environment.

Planning and architecture have been traditional cornerstones of Dublin’s success, and the desire to create a community that is well-built and timeless has been a focus of policy makers. The character and quality of Dublin begins with the Community Plan and has been largely shaped by the zoning process of Planned Districts that allow for flexibility in design and high quality standards that are not part of the Codified Ordinances. The adoption and implementation of the Bridge Street District and West Innovation District regulations provide another opportunity to incorporate quality architecture and design character within the city. Consideration of additional Code updates that clearly establish the standards that have defined Dublin will play an important role in ensuring that future development is consistent with long-term plans and the development quality that Dublin is known for. The implementation of these regulations go hand-in-hand with the establishment of an efficient and effective development process.

A. Monitor Regulations… and make adjustments as necessary to ensure development meets the character and design expectations for the Bridge Street District, West Innovation District and Shier Rings TechFlex District. Determining how effectively the regulations address site design, building form, function and use, circulation and access, and how effectively the development review process functions, will highlight areas for potential modifications that will ensure the vision desired for these areas is fully achieved.

B. Emphasize Area and Corridor Planning… as part of the review process to ensure that development proposals fit within the context of future plans for the surrounding area. Plans should be periodically reviewed and strategies should explain the goals and objectives for the planning area. Clear expectations for developers that are consistently applied by policy makers will ensure quality development that is coordinated and well-planned.

C. Consider Additional Code Modifications… for areas outside of the Bridge Street District that encourage implementation of the land use principles in ways that are compatible with and improve upon the suburban development pattern found throughout the city. The modifications should encourage pedestrian-friendly design, integrate mixed uses, incorporate high-quality architecture and site design, utilize quality materials, and provide functional, interconnected green spaces, while being sensitive to the established neighborhood character within these areas of the city. Opportunities to implement these principles with infill development sites is encouraged.

D. Encourage Public and Private Art… throughout the city to enhance the appeal of Dublin as a unique and desired community. Highly visible art should be encouraged to complement the built environment and to signify the City’s focus on design and culture. Focus should be placed on integrating art into capital improvements and assisting developers in incorporating highly visible art into development proposals where opportunities are available.

E. Encourage Green Building… and other innovative building technology that will create a more environmentally friendly and cutting-edge architectural environment. Incentives to encourage the use of sustainable standards such as Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®) endorsed buildings and modification of regulations to implement alternative building techniques should be strongly considered.

Objective 3: Reinforce existing and establish new community focal points and gathering places.

Creating locations and spaces where people can gather and have a sense of communal togetherness is extremely important to the identity and character of a city. Focal points can include public parks, recreation facilities, mixed use areas, defined open spaces, plazas, neighborhood commercial areas and community gateways. Residents have expressed that Dublin’s open space and bike path systems alone do not promote interaction and civic attachment. The creation of visual focal points can highlight architecture, but it is the physical location, pedestrian access and interaction of people that builds community. Historic Dublin is one example where the architectural character and charm can facilitate a pedestrian-friendly environment, especially along roadways to minimize traffic and pedestrian conflicts.

A. Emphasize Historic Dublin… as the traditional center of the community by adopting an implementation plan to maintain and enhance the mixed use pedestrian environment that makes the District unique. Encourage the integration of gathering spaces such as patios, plazas and public greens along with uses that will encourage pedestrian movement, such as civic facilities. Create a more pedestrian-friendly environment through streetscape and traffic improvement measures.

B. Use the placement of civic buildings and public spaces… throughout Dublin as a catalyst to spur the development of gathering spaces, create community identity and facilitate public activity. This is especially important in Historic Dublin, where civic uses can play an important role in contributing to pedestrian activity that will add to the liveliness of the district. New civic buildings should be located near private development wherever possible, providing an opportunity for employees to walk to shopping, dining and other nearby destinations instead of driving. Were applicable, adopted area plans should be used as a guide to ensure the creation of such locations as part of the development process.

C. Encourage Public Events… within identified locations to create formal opportunities for people to interact. Emphasize space programming of locations that will encourage neighborhood gatherings and social interaction.

D. Co-locate Public Facilities… such as schools, libraries, fire stations and recreation centers to create community activity centers that will bring families and different user groups together in one location.

E. Emphasize Major City Parks… such as Coffman Park and the planned riverfront park in the Bridge Street District as key community focal points that serve as destinations for the city as a whole. Consider the co-location of municipal or other public uses that establish these open spaces as prominent locations for major public gatherings and civic activities. These and other community parks should be linked together as part of a continuous public greenway system, providing access by foot and bicycle from all parts of the City.

F. Enhance Pedestrian Connectivity… to gathering places to facilitate easy pedestrian use. Evaluate current public spaces and buildings and encourage the completion of key pedestrian connectors to surrounding residential and commercial users.

G. Focus on Design Details… of public and semi-public spaces to create comfortable places that will facilitate congregation and conversation. In particular, developers should be encouraged to integrate buildings, art, public spaces and sitting areas as an integral component of project design.

Objective 4: Preserve and Establish Critical Viewsheds and Vistas.

Views of prominent natural features and aesthetic areas are an important element of Dublin’s character and can provide a significant sense of openness to complement development. Insensitive site development, particularly along roadways with visual character, can be detrimental to the overall aesthetic feeling of an area. City regulations should be modified to address the preservation or creation of views and vistas as part of the development process by encouraging projects to integrate viewsheds as part of good design.

A. Establish Inventories and Develop Regulations… to chart important landscapes and views that are valued by the community as a means to establish expectations during the development process. Development standards should integrate important viewsheds into proposed projects.

B. Require Site Design Standards… for new developments along designated roads that incorporate well-designed views onto internal open spaces and architecture while appropriately screening development.

C. Acquire Key Properties or Obtain Easements… as a means to preserve the most important views and vistas within the city. Properties and easements can be utilized in conjunction with sensitively placed development to preserve key viewsheds.

D. Enhance Access to the Scioto River… and other significant natural features as important connections between nature and the community. Visual as well as physical access should be maximized. Emphasis should be placed on creating publicly accessible connections to the river from Historic Dublin; infill and redevelopment opportunities in the northeast portion of the Historic District should incorporate prominent vistas to the river corridor and provide direct access points to the river bank. Opportunities to create pedestrian connections across the river to a new riverfront park should be pursued.

Objective 5: Develop a consistent graphic identity for Dublin and for important destinations within the city.

Dublin has long been known for its high community standards and attention to details. Signs are an important component of the character and identity of a community, and requirements have resulted in tastefully designed signs that are informative to motorists and pedestrians. It is important to ensure consistent design in public signs and wayfinding to ensure that Dublin’s destinations are clearly marked.

A. Establish City-wide Graphics… that create a clear identity; one that is responsive to the community’s character and expectations. Designs should be easy to read and incorporate a timeless style.

B. Consider Gateway SignDesigns… as an important identifier for the City. Gateway signs should be consistent and easily recognized as visitors and employees enter the corporate limits.

C. Implement Special Packages… for directional and informational signs in unique areas such as Historic Dublin and other neighborhoods within the Bridge Street District, and in other business districts throughout the city . Wayfinding through the provision of unique sign and graphics packages should be implemented to assist motorists,pedestrians and bicyclists.

One of Dublin’s missions has been to innovate; to set itself apart from surrounding cities and maintain itself as a community others wish to emulate. Interchanges, roundabouts, bridges and points of entry into Dublin are important to establish a distinctive and positive first impression for visitors. While these features are important to the community, strong efforts should be made to implement gateway elements and identifiers that are unique, but incorporate a basic palette of consistent elements. A change in development character should also be considered as an effective means of identifying gateways into the city.

A. Establish Unique Design Elements… that clearly signify entry into the community, create identity and can be recognized as components of Dublin’s character. Signs and landscape features should express a clear message that is memorable, but timeless, and elements such as stone work, public art and other details that are signatures of Dublin’s character should be integrated. Gateways should be coordinated with surrounding development and transportation improvements, and necessary rights-of-way should be obtained to ensure that features can be implemented and properly maintained.

B. Emphasize Landscape Design… that highlights Dublin’s commitment to landscaping and open space features. At entry points in rural areas, features may focus on green space and open views, while at developed locations design may emphasize a more formalized urban appearance, including public art features and hardscape elements.

C. Incorporate Signature Architecture… at key gateways to the city to enhance formal entry features. Architecture, associated landscaping and site design should provide a clear sense of identity at Dublin’s entry points.

D. Use Public Art… as a keyelement in gateway features to enhance the overall image, add uniqueness and draw attention to cultural aspects of the community.

E. Develop Guidelines and Standards… that establish basic and common elements for gateway features that will assist in the implementation of signature designs in conjunction with development proposals at identified locations.

Objective 7: Protect the character of road corridors and streetscapes, by maintaining and reinforcing the scenic qualities of the City through road improvements and future construction.

Rapid expansion and subsequent development pressure in many areas are changing the unique character of many of Dublin’s picturesque roads. Regulations should address the need to preserve the important qualities of major road corridors. While greater setbacks promote open space along scenic arterials, a balance is needed with other open spaces and adjacent development to maintain the quality of life for residents. In the future it will be critical to coordinate the design of roadways and open spaces to ensure Dublin’s high standards while limiting long-term maintenance costs. Many of Dublin’s roads have different character types and unique sets of design elements that should be protected. Strong emphasis should also be placed on targeting and establishing tomorrow’s “scenic” road corridors (refer to the Transportation Chapter for more information on roadway character).

A. Consider Design Alternatives… for future road construction and widening projects in areas that will better correspond to intended character types. Road designs, where appropriate, may integrate alternate elements such as curbless designs, swale systems or other options that may blend with surrounding open space corridors in a cost-effective and visually appealing manner (refer to the recommendations of the Hyland-Croy Road Corridor Character Study within the Northwest/Glacier Ridge Area Plan as an example).

B. Establish Design Requirements… for private development to complement public road improvements. Where applicable, encourage building and landscape practices that will cluster development, provide ample green space, create vegetative buffers and maintain vistas along scenic roads.

C. Target Future Roadway Character… within the framework of adopted area plans that look beyond existing road segments with scenic qualities. Plans should identify areas where corridors can be improved in the future to provide consistent roadway character.

D. Encourage Utility Location Standards… along designated corridors to bury above-ground utility lines when scenic roads are widened or otherwise improved. City standards currently require the burial of utilities within new development; however, existing lines usually remain along important roadways and should be addressed when possible to ensure the character of Dublin’s major roads is maintained.

E. Promote Native and Naturalized Plantings… where character-appropriate along roads in open spaces, setbacks and right-of-way plantings to enhance character and reduce long-term maintenance.

Environment

Objective 1: Create clear standards and policies for establishing Dublin as a “green” community that protects natural resources and is a leader in environmental stewardship.

Dublin has long considered itself to be a “green” city, recognizing the importance of the local environment as a contribution to quality of life. The City has a strong reputation as a leader in the preservation of open space and the protection of trees, streams and other natural features. Also, in an effort to reduce the amount of waste going to the landfill, the City has partnered with the Solid Waste Authority of Central Ohio (SWACO) and Rumpke to implement a municipal recycling program. However, there is a need to broaden Dublin’s “green” image to incorporate a comprehensive approach to environmental stewardship. As fuel, energy and natural resources become more scarce and costly, it is in the City’s best interest to pursue conservation efforts and resource alternatives, and to promote these strategies to residents and corporate citizens. Likewise, as the City continues to develop, the preservation of sensitive natural features and maintenance of ecological integrity will be critical to ensuring the sustainability of Dublin’s environment for future generations.

A. Encourage Sustainable Building Practices… and environmentally sensitive site development through the use of appropriate zoning and development incentives.

B. Support Alternative Energy Options… that will provide a broader range of energy choices for the community and encourage the utilization of other methods such as solar and wind power through the development process.

C. Increase Recycling Activities… through the expansion of current programs to encourage greater public and corporate participation and broader options for material recycling.

D. Provide Educational Opportunities… and activities for residents and corporate citizens to become actively engaged with the City as partners in environmentally friendly practices.

E. Communicate to the Community… the different efforts, options and activities that are available to encourage environmental stewardship and participation.

F. Consider Nature Education… as an important educational and environmental endeavor for the City. Evaluate the potential for a future nature education center to provide a forum for City- and OWS-sponsored programming and education for Dublin residents, and encourage joint programming with area schools and Metro Parks.

Objective 2: Protect unique landforms while educating developers and the public about their geologic significance and potential impact on development.

Dolomite and limestone bedrock in the Dublin area can be very active and changing subsurface environments. These geologic hazards can compromise surrounding areas and destroy overlying rock layers. Fissures within the subsurface rock can also create open drainage channels or underground streams, disrupting wells and allowing sewage, herbicides, pesticides and other chemicals to be rapidly transported into local waterways and groundwater resources.

A. Require Subsurface Studies… as part of the development process in areas of Dublin known to have the potential for underground drainage channels and sinkholes. Potential impacts should be known prior to the development process to reduce potential safety issues and problems for future homeowners.

B. Educate Developers and Property Owners… about the potential existence and warning signs of subsurface collapses and sinkholes. The existence of these formations during construction can add significant project costs and cause significant property damage. Property owners, in particular, should be aware of the drainage capabilities of area subsoils and the potential effects of lawn care and other household activities.

Objective 3: Protect topsoil resources from erosion.

The quality of Dublin’s waterways is extremely important. Topsoil erosion is a significant threat to water quality and the overall health of local watersheds. The loss of topsoil also adversely affects the establishment of new vegetation, and construction activities not responsibly carried out fail to adequately stockpile topsoil for reuse.

A. Implement Development Regulations… that establish minimum requirements for the protection of topsoil resources as part of the development process. Regulations should enhance any minimum state or federal standards and should complement erosion control requirements.

B. Maintain and Enhance Enforcement… of existing erosion control measures as part of the site construction process. Best Management Practices (BMP) such as silt fencing and seeding reduce erosion by keeping topsoil on-site.

Objective 4: Protect streams and their buffers and provide public access, particularly along the Scioto River.

Dublin’s streams and waterways provide important riparian habitat for native plants and wildlife, and areas along the Scioto River are home to many endangered or threatened plants and animals. Providing sufficient buffers along all watercourses in addition to minimum setbacks for flood hazard mitigation will help minimize the affects of development. Without natural filtration and sedimentation buffers, pollution can move rapidly into watercourses and impact the quality of water and established habitats. Public control of lands surrounding riparian corridors will ensure protection of these environmentally sensitive areas.

The potential of the Scioto River as a major recreational and visual amenity for Dublin and the surrounding area has not been fully realized. While efforts have been made to enhance public access along the River’s edge, success has varied; especially in important areas such as Historic Dublin. Topography in many sections of the River can serve as a major barrier to providing quality visual and physical links.

A. Protect the Scioto River Corridor… as Dublin’s primary hydrologic and environmental feature and ensure that visual and physical access for the public is maintained and enhanced where possible through public parks, open space and path connections.

B. Identify and Acquire Sensitive Areas… of environmental and scenic importance to protect the integrity of local stream and river corridors for future generations.

C. Consider Conservation Easements… and other development tools that can protect the environmental and scenic integrity of important sites when public acquisition is not possible.

D. Emphasize Forested and/or Naturalized Buffers… as a means to maintain the integrity of Dublin’s waterways. Minimum distances of 150 feet from top of bank to any development should be encouraged to ensure water quality and the maintenance of habitats and sensitive environs.

E. Create Public Access to Riparian Corridors… as a public amenity available to all residents and corporate citizens within Dublin. This can create a visible amenity that balances access to the environment, while maintaining quality and integrity.

F. Consider Recreational and Educational Opportunities… where possible to provide greater interaction between the public and important natural features. Considerations such as canoeing, clean-ups and nature programs are examples of opportunities that will generate individual value to Dublin residents.

Watershed boundaries are natural geographies that rarely correspond with political jurisdictions. Agricultural runoff and other non-point source pollution pose significant threats to downstream water quality. For those agricultural and developing areas to the north and west, Dublin is downstream and can be negatively affected. Likewise, Dublin should be a responsible neighbor to other areas influenced by our choices.

A. Implement Continued Monitoring… at key locations along Dublin’s tributaries to develop data that can be used to evaluate changing conditions of watersheds within the city.

B. Encourage Regional Planning… and potential accords that can address multi-jurisdictional environmental issues that may result from future development. Cooperative preservation of environmental quality will benefit all jurisdictions in the long-term.

Objective 6: Preserve, protect and restore wetland plant communities and educate the public about their importance.

The importance of agriculture to the local economy in the past lead to the draining of many wetlands in and around Dublin. Such wetlands provide a home for many endangered or threatened plant and animal species. In addition to providing habitat, wetlands help to clean the natural water supply. In areas of Dublin known for karst landforms and shallow bedrock, the ability to naturally cleanse surface runoff prior to entering underground aquifers and channels is particularly important.

A. Establish New Requirements… within the planning process that will ensure developers clearly identify and preserve suitable wetland areas, providing important habitat.

B. Encourage Wetland Establishment… as part of open space and greenway systems that can add to the diversity and character of the regional network. Creation of additional wetlands can improve stormwater quality and encourage additional plant and animal populations.

Poor development practices, such as severe cut-and-fill techniques, can contribute to damaging erosion. Resulting environmental impacts can include landslides, flooding and stream sedimentation. Improperly designed residential and commercial projects can appear to sever the landscape. Municipal regulations are currently silent as to how development should be regulated in areas with significant topographic change. The creation of slightly undulating topography in very flat areas of the city, however, can provide significant screening opportunities, shaped views and enhanced character.

A. Encourage Responsible Site Design… that fits into the landscape. Cut-and-fill practices that require excessive excavation and retention should be discouraged in favor of more appropriate design alternatives.

B. Implement Zoning Regulations… that would restrict development on excessive slopes and in areas where poor soils are known to exist. Regulations should incorporate the latest state and federal recommendations and standards.

C. Require Topographic Site Analysis… information from developers and implement policies/standards for remediation techniques. Site analysis should clearly indicate those areas of steep slopes to be disturbed.

D. Require Native Ground Cover… preservation and enhancement on steep slopes to reduce erosion. Deep-rooted, stabilizing native vegetation should be emphasized in disturbed areas and at the top of steep slopes.

Objective 8: Preserve and reinforce the value of existing wooded areas and fencerows and implement appropriate measures to protect them.

Trees are very important character elements within the landscape and can take many years to mature. Substantial woodlands take generations to develop and may never be re-established to their original natural quality. Wooded areas and fencerows are important environmental features that serve as an asset to the community. Tree preservation ordinances have been enacted to encourage the retention of trees during the development process. The ordinance, however, only protects trees from new development activity and does not address actions by pre-development property owners or residential landholders. Likewise, fencerows often contain many native species and serve as a distinct form of habitat, but are not adequately protected.

B. Discourage Tree Removal… by establishing policies and practices to limit the elimination of existing trees by landowners, particularly for residential and agricultural properties where monitoring is limited. Also work to reduce removal of trees prior to filing of annexation requests and formal development proposals.

C. Require Fencerow Preservation… by establishing policies and design expectations for all development proposals. Site design for development projects should integrate existing fencerows as site amenities.

D. Emphasize Fencerow and Woodland Establishment… as important vertical elements within the landscape. Developers should be encouraged to establish mass tree plantings and fencerows within projects and to dedicate open space as buffers, to shape views, and as future amenities for residents.

E. Maintain a Comprehensive Tree Database… that inventories various tree species growing on public property, reserves, parkland and rights-of-way as a means to track and ensure tree diversity within the city.

Objective 9: Increase tree planting for future generations in Dublin.

Significant efforts have been made over Dublin’s history through landscape and tree preservation requirements to emphasize the establishment of Dublin as a nature-sensitive community. While development efforts have resulted in a quality built environment, additional tree plantings can be even more of a positive addition and long-term investment for the community. Along with development pressure, new pests and diseases are threatening many tree species and necessitate forward thinking to protect the environmental character and visual quality of Dublin. Often, trees and other landscape materials are planted in compacted or substandard soils that limit the ability of plant materials to thrive. Requirements to provide for minimum topsoil depth, as well as standards to improve soil composition and reduce compaction during construction can better ensure that landscaping will survive to meet the requirements of the Zoning Code.

A. Consider Adopt-A-Tree Programs… to enhance tree planting and maintenance within public rights-of-way, within public use areas and on vacant property.

B. Target Reforestation Areas… where significant tree planting could result in new wildlife habitats, visual focal points and recreational amenities.

C. Require Native Tree Species… and indigenous plant materials as much as practical to ensure a stable and balanced plant community.

D. Utilize Sound Urban Forestry Practices… that stress the importance of creating a very diverse mix of tree species that will help minimize impacts of growing pest and disease damage, while monitoring for potential problems.

E. Identify Appropriate Structural Soils Mixtures… and similar materials that will facilitate the healthy growth of urban street trees and parking lot landscaping as described in the Bridge Street District zoning regulations. Consider requirements for similar soil remediation standards and other best management practices for Code required landscaping on commercial sites throughout the city.

Objective 10: Encourage the preservation and restoration of existing native plant associations and the formation of new communities.

Many plant species are being introduced into the area that are not adapted to tolerate local climate and conditions. Resulting excess use of water, herbicides, pesticides and fertilizers contributes to local air and water quality issues. Shifting focus away from non-native plants also facilitates the degradation and fragmentation of local plant communities, affecting ecosystem health and biodiversity. However, native landscape treatments are often not appreciated by the general public due to their more informal appearance.

A. Promote Native Plantings… in buffer areas and open spaces as a means to maintain the quality of public greenways. Encourage the use of sustainable, native horticultural species within formally landscaped areas.

B. Utilize Public Education… to convey the economic, environmental and health benefits of prairies and other native plant communities and alternative open space designs.

C. Encourage Developers… to integrate alternative landscape methods such as prairie development, wetland integration and reforestation efforts in proposed parks, rights-of-way and reserves. Naturalized lawns and green marketing can also be used as an environmentally friendly selling point for new developments.

Objective 11: Maintain and increase wildlife diversity.

As development occurs, fragmentation, alteration or elimination of various habitats such as wetland, prairie, woodland, field and scrub most often affects wildlife use. Displacement of wildlife and wildlife conflict can increase as development occurs. Many species cease to exist. Others such as deer, raccoons, and some bird species actually benefit from these changes. Development and the formalization of open space also affect the overall character of remaining areas and can inhibit biodiversity.

A. Maintain Wildlife Corridors… within developments to ensure that wildlife can travel regionally within natural open space areas; providing continually linked open spaces will allow for migratory patterns and avoid isolated populations.

B. Manage Open Space… and naturalized public lands to improve and maintain species diversity. Control or limit the establishment of invasive species. Use current, tested best management practices and integrated pest management.

C. Establish and improve Wetlands, Prairies and other specific habitats… to diversify Dublin’s open spaces and to increase or maintain biodiversity. Land development practices have destroyed many important habitats areas of scrub, prairie and wetland, which support a broad range of species. Reintroduction of wetlands, prairies and other habitats should be strongly encouraged.

D. Educate the Public… about the benefits and importance of wildlife diversity and how to minimize human-wildlife conflicts.

E. Continue Installing Bluebird Trails and other wildlife structures… to encourage resurgence within public open space areas. Provide education and maintenance to facilitate ongoing programs.

F. Maintain Decayed or Dying Trees… in non-hazardous locations to provide nesting habitat for many cavity nesting bird species and other wildlife.

Many plant and animal species in Ohio have been identified as threatened or endangered and need protection to re-establish sufficient numbers for survival. Some of these endangered, threatened or potentially threatened populations are located in habitats along the Scioto River and its tributaries, making the protection of Dublin’s waterways vitally important.

A. Monitor Species and Associated Habitats… in the Dublin area through updates from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Ohio Department of Natural Resources. The specific habitats and locations of identified species should be inventoried, managed and protected from development pressure and disturbances.

B. Establish Minimum Buffers… around sensitive habitats to protect the integrity of environmental areas. Development in surrounding areas should utilize sensitive design practices that will minimize any potential impacts.

C. Identify and Acquire Unique and Sensitive Lands… to ensure that critical habitats or environmental areas can be preserved from development. Because not all lands may be acquired, identification and prioritization of the most critical areas is necessary.

D. Develop Management Plans… to clearly identify goals and objectives for maintaining the quality of public lands and open spaces around sensitive habitats and to identify potential environmental triggers that can impact species.

E. Provide Public Education… about the importance of preserving and enhancing biodiversity and protecting threatened species within the city. Public identification and awareness is the key to maintaining support and prioritization for protection efforts.

Objective 13: Control the spread of invasive plant and animal species.

Invasive plants can quickly out-compete native vegetation, eliminate wildlife habitat, increase soil erosion and lead to an imbalanced ecological state. Invasive species can sometimes displace native species and can lead to greater levels of human-wildlife conflict.

A. Implement Best Management Practices… to manage public open spaces, parks and reserves to eliminate and minimize the effects of invasive plant and animal species that have been identified by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources.

B. Establish a Prohibited Plant List… to eliminate the use of invasive plant material within new and existing developments.

C. Promote Public Education… that will encourage developers, landscape contractors, design professionals, and homeowners to avoid using plant species with the potential to spread from a maintained landscape area into the surrounding natural environment.

D. Encourage Habitat Protection and Restoration… in areas where there is an existing or potential threat of degradation of natural habitats. Efforts to protect and re-establish habitat areas can provide an opportunity to introduce native species back into the environment and can encourage a more natural balance.